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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and William & Mary are both public institutions — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA and William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Blacksburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 54.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 30,923
Tuition: $37,764/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Blacksburg, VA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Williamsburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 34.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,055
Tuition: $51,038/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 89.4%
Top programs: Social sciences, Business and marketing, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Williamsburg, VA with published program strength in Social sciences and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 54.8% | 34.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1280–1450 |
| 1400–1530 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 28–32 | 32–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,923 | 7,055 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $37,764/year | $51,038/year |
| Average net price after aid | $24,953 | $19,096 |
| Graduation rate | 86.2% | 89.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $81,698 | $73,490 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Blacksburg, VA | Williamsburg, VA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences | Social sciences, Business and marketing, Biological sciences |
William & Mary is more selective (34.1% vs 54.8% acceptance rate). William & Mary has a lower average net price after grant aid ($19,096 vs $24,953). William & Mary reports the higher graduation rate (89.4% vs 86.2%). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger undergraduate campus (30,923 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and William & Mary
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has an acceptance rate of 54.8%; William & Mary is around 34.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University tuition is $37,764/year. William & Mary is $51,038/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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